UV Index in Salima, Malawi

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Salima, Malawi, awareness of the UV Index is critical for ensuring skin health and preventing sunburns, especially under the region's typical Aw climate. Understanding UV levels can empower residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions during the day, particularly when UV exposure peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching indices as high as 9. With the sun's intensity increasing during these hours, being informed about UV risks helps safeguard against potential skin damage, making it essential for all outdoor activities in this beautiful lakeside town.

Hourly UV Index in Salima

The UV Index for today showcases a striking peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index begins to taper off, transitioning to a 5 at 2:00 PM and then dropping further to 3 by 3:00 PM. The late afternoon brings a noticeable decline, finishing off with 1 at 4:00 PM and fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. If you're planning outdoor activities, the optimal time to soak up the sun safely is definitely before noon! Don’t forget your sunscreen during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	9	very high	15 min
13:00	8	very high	15 min
14:00	5	moderate	30 min
15:00	3	moderate	30 min
16:00	1	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Salima

Throughout the year, UV exposure remains extremely high in the early months, with a consistent UV Index of 16 from January to March, resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV Index decreases slightly but stays significant, dropping to 14 in April and 11 in May. The summer months of June and July see a slight moderation to a very high UV Index of 9, extending the burn time to 15 minutes. However, UV levels spike back to 11 in August and range from 13 to 14 from September to November, maintaining a high risk for sunburn, with burn times reverting to 10 minutes. In December, the UV Index rises again to 15, continuing the trend of high UV exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these high-risk months, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Salima, Malawi

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Salima. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Salima, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Salima UV Index with Other Malawi Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Salima compares to other major locations across Malawi. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Salima's solar exposure compared to other cities in Malawi. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Blantyre UVI	17	17	16	12	10	8	9	11	12	12	14	15
Zomba UVI	17	17	16	13	10	9	9	11	13	13	15	15
Salima	16	16	16	14	11	9	9	11	13	13	14	15
Lilongwe UVI	17	17	16	14	11	9	10	12	13	13	15	16
Mzuzu UVI	16	16	16	15	11	10	10	12	13	13	14	16
Kasungu UVI	16	17	16	14	11	9	10	12	13	13	15	16